Why was SEMO a smart choice for you?

After being away from Southeast Missouri for the last 23 years while serving in the Air Force, SEMO was a smart choice to allow me to pursue my education in the arts while being closer to family.

What is it that you feel sets SEMO apart when you were making your college decision?

As a military veteran utilizing the GI Bill®, I could have chosen any university in the country. I was impressed that SEMO had a campus specifically dedicated to the arts. Other schools are known for having prestigious programs in specific mediums, but SEMO seemed to have a more well-rounded BFA program.

What is your major and how do you feel that program is preparing you for a successful career?

I am majoring in Fine Arts with an emphasis in painting. SEMO's fine arts program begins with a rigorous program of foundational art principles. This labor intensive first-year program teaches discipline that will serve graduates for the rest of their lives. As I have progressed through the BFA program I have found faculty mentors that are well connected in the professional art community and have a wide breadth of experience as working artists. I am confident these mentors will serve as a source of inspiration and as resources as I transition from academia to the work force.

Do you have a scholarship?

No

What is your favorite thing about SEMO?

Making art all day!

Describe SEMO in two sentences.

Small enough to feel like home. Big enough to feel like an adventure.

What makes SEMO faculty great?

What makes SEMO faculty great is their passion for the subjects they teach. Whether it be Art History, literature analysis, or oil painting, the light that shines in the eyes of an inspired teacher is infectious.

Describe life on campus?

As a non-traditional student I am old enough to be most of the other student's father. To be on campus is to be surrounded by the very young. It is exciting to meet and interact with so many young students and watch them as they energetically explore and question the world around them. Campus life is abuzz with the energy of youth tempered by the guiding hand of dedicated professors.

Are you involved in Greek Life, Honors Program or any other student organization, please tell us about that experience and how it has impacted you.

No. My course load was initially a bit too overwhelming for clubs.